My Topics

Whether you’re moving to Australia for the first time or returning home after a long time away, chances are that you’ll want to bring your beloved pet/s with you. You may get told that it’s easier to leave them behind but the heartbreak just isn’t worth it. If you can’t bear even the thought of being separated from your pet or pets, here’s how to bring them to Australia. Please keep in mind that this is just a general guide and you should check out exactly what conditions apply to you and your pet on the AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Import Service) website before beginning the import process.

Checking That You Are Approved

The first thing that you need to do is to make sure that your type of pet is allowed to be imported into Australia. Animals such as cats and dogs are generally fine but Australia does not allow certain pets such as hamsters or other exotic species. Once you have done this, you need to make sure you are coming from an AQIS approved country, a list of which can be found on the AQIS site. If you are not, then unfortunately, your pet cannot be directly imported into Australia. Rather, you will need to go via an approved AQIS country first and have your pet spend six months there before you can begin the process of importing them into Australia.

Import and Quarantine

To import your pet into Australia, you’ll need to get an AQIS import permit. The only country where this is not required is if your pet is coming from New Zealand. Before importation, you’ll need to make sure that your pet gets all of the required vet checks, testing, and vaccinations to ensure that they are healthy and will not bring any diseases that will threaten Australian flora or fauna. It is also essential that your pet is microchipped as this is the primary means of identifying your pet. Once you have passed all the necessary checks, you can fly your pet out. They will have to spend a certain amount of time in an AQIS animal quarantine station (up to six months) just to ensure that they are of good health. Don’t worry if your pet has a medical condition such as urinary crystals, diabetes or something like that though. Simply notify AQIS and they will ensure that your pet is well cared for and receives any medications they need. Once the quarantine period is served, you can finally bring your pet home! It’s a long process but one that is definitely worth it.

Costs Involved With Bringing Your Pet to Australia

Importing your beloved pet/s into Australia is an expensive process but it is a cost that many owners are more than prepared to bear. All of the costs involved with importing your pets must be fully paid before your pet is released from quarantine. The costs include: